Grave Matters – The Greater Bukit Brown
In land-scarce Singapore, the four cemeteries within Greater Bukit Brown are at risk of redevelopment. ELENA TAY explores the dilemma of conserving this plot of land and its significance to the country’s environment and cultural heritage.
BY
Elena Tay
Videographer
Hype Issue #58
Published on
November 20, 2023
The gravestones at Bukit Brown Cemetery – some of which have been recently visited by descendents. Photo by Elena Tay.
To make space for its growing population, SIngapore introduced the New Burial Policy in 1998, limiting a burial to 15 years. This makes it inevitable for graves to be exhumed or cremated in the long run.
Consequently, existing cemeteries like Bukit Brown Cemetery have become overgrown and forgotten, sparking debates on the importance of preserving such burial grounds.
With tree trunks wrapped around it, this gravestone has become barely visible over the years. Photo by Elena Tay.
The Facebook group, ‘Heritage Singapore – Bukit Brown Cemetery’, has gathered 9,815 members to date. Established in 2012, the group advocates for the conservation of the abundant heritage and ecological value within Greater Bukit Brown.
“[Bukit Brown Cemetery] is a place that represents the stories of our early pioneers and their contributions to Singapore. It’s a space which represents an important green lung for Singapore and [is] ecologically diverse,” Peter Pak Yew Guan, 50, project manager at the National Library Board and an admin of the Facebook group, said.
In 1922, Bukit Brown Cemetery marked the inauguration of the first Chinese municipal cemetery. To meet the growing demand for more Chinese burial grounds, the municipal government opened Bukit Brown Cemetery, where one did not require communal affiliations to be buried.
Notable pioneers located there include Ong Sam Leong, a successful businessman, Lim Chong Pang after whom Chong Pang Village and Chong Pang Road were named, and Khoo Seok Wan, a poet and prolific literary figure.
Following its closure in 1973, it has been gradually reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Today, it’s bordered by three cemeteries, Seh Ong, Lao Sua (Old Hill) and Kopi Sua (Coffee Hill).
Leong Kwok Peng, 66, a volunteer with the Nature Society, said, “The forest provides a very good environmental service, [it] provides oxygen, cools down the temperature, and is beautiful. All these combined makes Bukit Brown valuable in [an] ecological and green sense.”
The ‘Avatar’ trees that lie at the heart of Bukit Brown Cemetery. Photo by Elena Tay.
Back in 2011, it was announced that a dual four-lane road would be constructed to alleviate traffic congestion along Lornie Road and the Pan-Island Expressway during peak hours. The road would cut across Bukit Brown Cemetery, impacting 5000 graves in the vicinity.
Professor Koh showing what the river looked like before the eight-lane expressway cut across it. Photo by Elena Tay.
In response, a collective of individuals began advocating for the preservation of Bukit Brown Cemetery. Their efforts came in various forms, ranging from volunteers conducting guided tours, writing blog posts to document graves, and assisting descendants in locating their ancestors’ graves.
Darren Koh, 55, Associate Professor from the Singapore University of Social Sciences’s School of Law is among these individuals, offering free guided tours at Bukit Brown Cemetery. He said, “I’m doing it to try to save Bukit Brown, and to show people that it’s not [just] a stone. It’s not stones and bones, but heritage.”
Professor Koh explaining the differences between Hokkien and Teochew gravestones in one of his guided tours. Photo by Elena Tay.
Other individuals like Raymond Goh, 59, pharmacist, accompany Mr Pak and do their part by visiting the cemeteries at Greater Bukit Brown, cleaning them up, and helping descendants who are looking for their ancestors’ resting grounds to pay their respects.
Mr Soh, Mr Goh, and Mr Pak after making their rounds at Lao Sua (Old Hill). On this weekend, they braved a horde of wasps to clean and document tombs. Photo by Elena Tay.
Alongside these efforts, Mr Pak also runs a blog, the Rojak Librarian. Initially created in 2004 to share his life experiences, Mr Pak transitioned to blogging about the dead in 2013. He now utilises his platform to write autobiographies of the pioneers buried in areas like Bukit Brown, Ipoh and Choa Chu Kang.
This has also turned into one of the communication channels that descendants can use to contact Mr Pak for assistance in locating their ancestors’ tombs.
One of the reconnected descendants, Lilian Wong, was unaware of the existence of her great grandmother’s tomb since the ancestor had passed away before her mother was born. Ms Wong only discovered the tomb after coming across Mr Pak’s blog and managed to reunite with her ancestors with Mr Pak and Mr Goh’s help.
In 2023 alone, the pair has already reconnected six or seven descendants to their ancestors.
Despite the efforts put into preserving the heritage and ecology of Greater Bukit Brown, the Ministry of National Development (MND) announced in 2013 that Greater Bukit Brown has been earmarked for possible land use allocation in Singapore beyond 2030.
Greater Bukit Brown being labelled as a possible residential area in the future. Image taken from MND.
However, according to the latest Master Plan 2019, the Greater Bukit Brown area has been classified as “Cemetery” instead of “Residential”.
“It’s a collection of memories and it connects and ties you to a different place, in a different time. It’s who we are, where we came from,” Professor Koh said, emphasising his strong advocacy of the preservation of Bukit Brown Cemetery.
It is still uncertain whether Greater Bukit Brown will be cleared entirely, along with the stories of Singapore’s pioneers and its rich ecological diversity.
Regarding this subject, there is undoubtedly a great lot that is still unknown. The points that you present are both well-reasoned and convincing. We are quite grateful that you shared the content with us; each of the quotations was outstanding. Never stop sharing, and never stop being an inspiration to other people.
The factory’s dedication to quality is evident in the superior performance of their HDPE pipes, which are known for their exceptional strength and durability. Elitepipe Plastic Factory
The factory’s commitment to innovation is reflected in their continuous research and development efforts to enhance the design and functionality of their HDPE and uPVC fittings. Elitepipe Plastic Factory
The factory’s dedication to quality is evident in the superior performance of their HDPE pipes, which are known for their exceptional strength and durability. Elitepipe Plastic Factory
With a focus on excellence, Elitepipe Plastic Factory has gained a reputation for producing top-notch HDPE and uPVC products that meet rigorous quality standards. Elitepipe Plastic Factory
relaxing
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your website in internet explorer, would test this텶E still is the market chief and a good section of other folks will pass over your magnificent writing due to this problem.
obviously like your website but you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to inform the reality on the other hand Ill certainly come back again
What i do not realize is in fact how you are no longer actually much more wellfavored than you might be right now Youre very intelligent You recognize thus considerably in relation to this topic made me in my view believe it from numerous numerous angles Its like men and women are not fascinated until it is one thing to do with Lady gaga Your own stuffs excellent All the time handle it up
Simply desire to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work
Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just awesome and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission let me get your RSS feed to be updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the good
I liked it as much as you did. Even though the picture and writing are good, you’re looking forward to what comes next. If you defend this walk, it will be pretty much the same every time.
You did a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend it to my friends. I’m sure they’ll benefit from this site.
I sincerely appreciate that the website’s creator provided this amazing piece of writing here.
I loved even more than you will get done right here. The picture is nice, and your writing is stylish, but you seem to be rushing through it, and I think you should give it again soon. I’ll probably do that again and again if you protect this walk.
Looking for a one-stop solution for all your digital needs? Welcome to ToolBox Hub, where convenience meets functionality. Our platform offers a vast array of tools, catering to various online tasks, making your digital life simpler and more efficient.
Güvenilir bir şekilde kapıda ödemeli veya havaleli olarak Ankara elektronik sigara alışverişi yapmak isteyen kullanıcılar web sitemizden sipariş oluşturabilirler. Unutmayın Türkiye’nin en güvenilir Ankara elektronik sigara sitesiyiz. Toplu olarak Smok Elektronik Sigara , Vaporesso Elektronik Sigara , Voopoo Elektronik Sigara , Uwell Elektronik Sigara , Joyetech Elektronik Sigara , Wismec Elektronik Sigara satın almak isterseniz bize ulaşabilirsiniz. VozolElektronikSigara
Hi i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to Return the favore I am attempting to find things to improve my web siteI suppose its ok to use some of your ideas
It was great seeing how much work you put into it. Even though the design is nice and the writing is stylish, you seem to be having trouble with it. I think you should really try sending the next article. I’ll definitely be back for more of the same if you protect this hike.
What i do not understood is in truth how you are not actually a lot more smartlyliked than you may be now You are very intelligent You realize therefore significantly in the case of this topic produced me individually imagine it from numerous numerous angles Its like men and women dont seem to be fascinated until it is one thing to do with Woman gaga Your own stuffs nice All the time care for it up
Somebody essentially lend a hand to make significantly articles Id state That is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now I surprised with the research you made to make this actual submit amazing Wonderful task
I’m grateful. I have spent a long time looking for information on this subject, and yours is the greatest I have come across so far. However, what about the revenue? Are you positive about the source?
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
TikTok izlenme satın almak isteyenler için TikTok izlenme satın al en doğru tercih. Hemen ziyaret edin ve detayları öğrenin.
I loved as much as youll receive carried out right here The sketch is tasteful your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike
Hi, good post. Your website appears to be having issues with Internet Explorer. You should look into this since many people will miss your great articles due of this problem, especially since IE is still the most widely used browser.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
click here
click here
Achieve Agricultural Excellence with Bwer Pipes: Unlock the full potential of your farm with Bwer Pipes’ premium-quality irrigation solutions. Our innovative sprinkler systems and durable pipes are designed to optimize water usage, improve crop health, and maximize yields, empowering Iraqi farmers to succeed in today’s competitive agricultural market. Learn More
Bwer Pipes: Pioneering Irrigation Excellence in Iraq: Explore Bwer Pipes for cutting-edge irrigation solutions that set the standard for excellence in Iraqi agriculture. Our advanced sprinkler technology and durable pipes deliver precise water distribution, enabling farmers to achieve optimal crop yields and sustainable farming practices. Explore Bwer Pipes
1вин слоты [url=1win5512.ru]1win5512.ru[/url]
1win yangi promo kod [url=http://1win5513.ru/]http://1win5513.ru/[/url]
mel bet [url=www.melbet5001.ru]www.melbet5001.ru[/url]
1win uz kazino [url=www.1win5514.ru]www.1win5514.ru[/url]
This was useful. A well-organized platform really changes how people experience adult content
Here is my web page: https://gay0day.com
Nice points. A minimal approach enhances the experience on 18+
platforms
Feel free to visit my web blog :: https://twinkporn.one/search/cooper-hayes/
Well explained. Usability is becoming more important even in adult content spaces
Feel free to visit my blog :: https://gay0day.com/videos/138388/cum-4-japanese-educate-public-fuck/
This article makes sense. Clean layouts really improve the experience on 18+ platforms
My website – https://zeenite.com/it/videos/31508/son-molested-mommy-and-compulsory-her-to-fuck/
This article makes sense. Clean layouts really enhance the experience on 18+ platforms
Feel free to surf to my webpage … https://twinkporn.one/videos/11509/tattooed-daddy-fucks-his-pussyboy-amateur-american-gay-porn/
Good discussion. I’ve seen adult video sites change a lot in terms of performance and design
Stop by my webpage: https://zeenite.com/fr/search/tabou-inceste-maman-fils-poilue/
Clearly explained. Ease of use is becoming more important even in adult content spaces
Here is my web blog :: https://twinkporn.one/videos/11006/male-orgasm-18-year-old-virgin-boy-masturbating/
Nice points here. Some adult video sites are clearly becoming more polished
and professional
My page – https://gay0day.com/videos/271542/zero-s-murrsuit-party/
Thanks for the post. Clean design really separates quality adult platforms from
the rest
Take a look at my web page; https://zeenite.com/videos/4151/rude-awakening-jessica-fiorentino/
Thanks for the post. Clean design really separates quality adult platforms from
the rest
Take a look at my web page; https://zeenite.com/videos/4151/rude-awakening-jessica-fiorentino/
Thanks for the post. Clean design really separates quality adult platforms from
the rest
Take a look at my web page; https://zeenite.com/videos/4151/rude-awakening-jessica-fiorentino/
Thanks for the post. Clean design really separates quality adult platforms from
the rest
Take a look at my web page; https://zeenite.com/videos/4151/rude-awakening-jessica-fiorentino/
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It reflects trends I’ve
seen across newer platforms
Here is my site – https://gay0day.com/search/hatton-hatts17/
With thanks. Valuable information!
new online casinos usa real money us online casinos with rtg software
Visit my Blog – I’m impressed with how much value this post provides.
Good article. Quality-driven 18+ video sites definitely feel different today
Here is my blog post :: https://gay0day.com/search/stewart-bowman-pnp/
Enjoy Exciting Casino Games and Win Big!
Looking for the best online casino experience in Canada? Pin-Up Casino is your top choice for big wins. Whether you’re a poker player, Pin-Up Casino offers endless opportunities to suit every taste.
Why Choose Pin-Up Casino?
Huge Selection of Games: Play modern video slots from world-class developers.
Generous Bonuses and Promotions: Claim welcome bonuses to maximize your winnings.
Fast and Secure Payouts: Experience trusted banking methods with complete peace of mind.
Mobile-Friendly Gaming: Access games on the go on your phone or tablet.
24/7 Support: Get expert assistance from the Pin-Up Casino support team whenever you need it.
How to Get Started at Pin-Up Casino Canada?
Sign Up: Visit the Pin-Up Casino website and create your account.
Claim Your Bonus: Take advantage of free spins.
Explore the Games: Discover all your favorite casino games.
Start Playing and Winning: Spin the reels, place your bets, and experience nonstop fun.
Top Games Available at Pin-Up Casino Canada:
Slots: From progressive jackpot games to high-quality themed slots, there’s something for every player.
Table Games: Enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Live Casino: Experience immersive live dealer games with professional dealers.
Why Pin-Up Casino is Canada’s Favorite Online Casino?
Pin-Up Casino combines secure gaming to create the perfect experience for Canadian players. With live dealer options, it’s no wonder Pin-Up is a leading online casino.
Don’t Miss Out – Join Pin-Up Casino Today!
Log in to Pin-Up Casino at pin up casino
to play your favorite games and enjoy nonstop thrills!
отзывы о 1win [url=www.1win12045.ru]www.1win12045.ru[/url]
мелбет на айфон [url=https://melbet5006.ru]https://melbet5006.ru[/url]
Solid insights here. Design definitely affects how long users stay on adult platforms
Visit my website https://xlilith.com/videos/3897/girlfriends-eats-me-out-until-i-beg-her-to-stop/
Solid read. I’ve seen similar trends on modern 18+ video sites
that focus on usability
My web blog – https://xlilith.com/videos/21052/deep-throat-facefuck-dildo-training-practice-on-webcam/
Nicely written. It’s interesting how design choices affect engagement on adult
video websites
Also visit my homepage: https://thetranny.com/videos/138988/casey-calvert-jade-venus-kira-noir-tori-easton-dillon-diaz-jake-waters-no-holes-barred-2/
скачать мост бет [url=http://mostbet2029.help]http://mostbet2029.help[/url]
mostbet история компании [url=http://mostbet2031.help/]http://mostbet2031.help/[/url]
Well said. A smooth interface goes a long way on 18+ video sites
My web blog https://gaypissex.com
Well explained. Usability is becoming more important even in adult content niches
Also visit my web blog: https://xlilith.com/videos/26429/riley-reid-dominates-elsa-jean/
теннис букмекерская скачать [url=mostbet2030.help]mostbet2030.help[/url]
мостьет [url=mostbet2032.help]мостьет[/url]
1win aviator login [url=http://1win3001.mobi]http://1win3001.mobi[/url]
мосбет скачат [url=http://mostbet2033.help]http://mostbet2033.help[/url]
1win poker [url=http://1win3002.mobi/]1win poker[/url]
Read my Blog – Amazing depth and accuracy. You clearly know your stuff.
1win yordam markazi [url=https://www.MAQOLALAR.UZ]https://www.MAQOLALAR.UZ[/url]
1win bonus aktivatsiya [url=SPORT-PROGRAMMING.UZ]1win bonus aktivatsiya[/url]